Second Coming of the USFL

The news was released this week that the United States Football League (USFL) is preparing a return in the spring of 2022 with eight teams and retaining the original team names.

The first edition of the USFL played in the spring from 1983-1985 before its ill-fated plans to move from a spring to fall schedule and an anti-trust lawsuit against the National Football League (NFL).  Many have attributed the demise of the USFL to Donald Trump who owned the New Jersey Generals and pushed for the move to the fall.

Well, it looks like the USFL is coming back - without Donald Trump but will it find success where two other leagues - Alliance of American Football (AAF) and XFL have failed their attempts in the previous spring seasons?  Neither were able to complete their seasons.

So what's up with the new USFL?

The league is planning to return next spring with eight teams and with Fox Sports owning the broadcast rights as well as a minority equity stake in the company which owns the USFL.  There are no further details at this time as to would is funding the 2nd USFL and if it will actually become reality.  Money problems are the main issues which sacked both the AAF and XFL.  If Fox Sports is already onboard, chances are that this could be a legitimate start to a comeback.

There are very few details on which eight teams would be involved in the USFL re-launch however, the league has already registered trademarks for the Austin Stallions and Dallas Stallions.  Birmingham (which was originally named the Stallions) is also interested in returning.  Other cities most are hoping will be a part of the new version are St. Louis, Oakland and San Diego.  

The original USFL grew to 18 teams before its collapse in 1985.

Here are the team/cities which played in the first USFL:

• Arizona Wranglers
• Birmingham Stallions
• Boston/New Orleans/Portland Breakers
• Chicago Blitz
• Denver Gold
• Houston Gamblers
• Jacksonville Bulls
• Los Angeles Express
• Memphis Showboats
• Michigan Panthers
• New Jersey Generals
• Oakland Invaders
• Oklahoma Outlaws
• Orlando Renegades
• Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars
• Pittsburgh Maulers
• San Antonio Gunslingers
• Tampa Bay Bandits
• Washington Federals

Can the USFL succeed where the AAF, XFL (twice) and first USFL failed?  We seem to say that about every new league that attempts to establish a professional football league in the spring.  Spring football is a difficult venture.  As much money as they have put into these leagues, it's just difficult for football fans to adjust to a spring football league.  Traditions are difficult to overcome.  I remember when the first USFL started I was excited about it and watched for the first few weeks before my interest faded.  I would return for the playoffs and championship games but it was difficult to maintain interest for the entire season.

If the USFL wants to succeed where others have failed, they need LOTS of money and talent.  The original USFL snagged some good talent when they started with luring some Heisman Trophy winners to sign as well as other top talent instead of NFL rejects or players from small colleges.  Although the first USFL didn't compete directly with the NFL, they did compete with signing top players.  Some of those were names like Herschel Walker, Jim Kelly, Steve Young and Reggie White among others.

Stay tuned over the next few months.